Crochet FO's

I am overly pleased with myself this week, because I have not just one, but two FO's this week to share, and both are crochet.  The first one I have been working on for about a month, so it was a bit over-due.  Without further ado, my market bag:

It is big--there are 3 beach towels in the bag for the picture, and it has a nice shape.  At first I thought it was "too big" but now I just love it.  I can't wait to take it to the beach.  Or a picnic.  Or a farmers market.  Anywhere.  The pattern is free, and the yarn is Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton.  I learned quite a bit with this project, and my crochet skills are steadily improving.  So much so in fact, that I tried this:

A crochet wire and bead bracelet.  It was a bit difficult to use wire, but super fun.  It has given me loads of ideas to try in to future.  You can't see the back but I just added a simple clasp, I think next time I might look into magnetic clasp, as it is a bit tricky to get on/off.  I used a free pattern, and some jewellery wire I picked up in the local craft shop.  Fun stuff!!

That's it for me this week.  Happy Crafting!!

Adding to the mix

Happy August 1st!  I'm rather pleased to welcome August this year, as my hubby gets to move to a hospital closer to home. He's been commuting about 3 hours a day, and for the next year it will only be about 50 minutes a day.  Hurray!!

As if I didn't have enough WIP's, I decided I needed to start a new one.  One fun thing about having my parents around is that they have been suggesting knitting projects they might like to receive.  The other day while they were out shopping they snapped up these:

The Artesano is slowly but surely becoming a Citron shawl for my Mom.  The blue has small specks of light purple in it, it is gorgeous, and will look beautiful with her eyes.

And the Manos is going to become a hat for my Dad.  He has expensive taste--baby alpaca, silk, and cashmere.  I'll have to tweak the pattern he picked out, both because the yarn is finer, and his head is bigger, so watch this space!

For the time being I'm working mainly on the shawl.  I wanted to get it done before my folks leave on Saturday, but that just isn't going to happen.  I am enjoying working on it.  

Before I go, I thought I'd finally post the pictures of my Mom in the hat I made her when she first arrived.  It is a paper Sirdar pattern I have, which I've used time and again.

I suppose that is all for me for now.  I've got two days off work so I'm away to make the most of them.  See you again soon!!